AFTER DARK; TRANS. BY JAY RUBIN

A sleek, gripping novel of encounters set in Tokyo during the spooky hours between midnight and dawn, by an internationally renowned literary phenomenon.Murakami's trademark humor, psychological insight, and grasp of spirit and morality are here distilled with an extraordinary, harmonious mastery. Combining the pyrotechnical genius that made Kafka on the Shore and The Wind-up Bird Chronicle international bestsellers, with a surprising infusion of heart, Murakami has produced one of his most enchanting fictions yet.From the Trade Paperback edition. A sleek, gripping novel of encounters set in Tokyo during the spooky hours between midnight and dawn, by an internationally renowned literary phenomenon. Murakami's trademark humor, psychological insight, and grasp of spirit and morality are here distilled with an extraordinary, harmonious mastery. Combining the pyrotechnical genius that made Kafka on the Shore and The Wind-up Bird Chronicle international bestsellers, with a surprising infusion of heart, Murakami has produced one of his most enchanting fictions yet Mari sips her coffee and glances up from a book as a musician, intrudes on her solitude. Both have missed the last train home. They realise they've been acquainted through Eri, Mari's sister. Eri has become the classic myth - a sleeping beauty. But tonight a faint electrical crackle is perceptible, a hint of life flickers across the TV screen. The musician has plans to rehearse with his jazz band all night, Mari is equally unconcerned and content to read, smoke and drink coffee until dawn. They realise they've been acquainted through Eri, Mari's beautiful sister. a Chinese prostitute has been hurt by a client, the girl has heard Mari speaks fluent Chinese and requests her help.